Where to Eat Near Big Buddha Phuket
The winding road up Nakkerd Hill isn’t just about the Big Buddha. It’s lined with small restaurants and cafes, each with sweeping views over Karon Beach or Chalong Bay. I stop at one of these places almost every time I drive up. The food is simple, the breeze is cool, and the views make a regular pad thai feel like something special.
Most of these spots are family-run with open-air seating and bamboo furniture. Prices are reasonable, around 100 to 250 Baht for most dishes. You’ll find Thai classics like tom yam, pad thai, and fried rice, plus a few Western options. Some have coffee and desserts if you just want a drink and a view.
Note: The Big Buddha is currently closed following the August 2024 landslide, but these restaurants remain open. Worth a visit for the scenery alone.
Greek Kitchen
The only non-Thai option on the road. Greek Kitchen serves Mediterranean food with views over the coast. Gyros, souvlaki, moussaka, that sort of thing. A proper meal rather than a quick snack. Good if you want something different after days of Thai food.
Address: 93, 5 Soi Yot Sane 1, Wichit, Mueang Phuket District, Phuket 83130
Hours: 2 pm – 11 pm, Sat – Sun: 11.30 am – 10.30 pm (closed on Monday)
Phone: 0886090816
Nak-Kerd Seaview Cafe
A tiny spot with thatched roofs and bamboo tables almost at the top of the hill. The view over Karon Beach is the main draw. Food is basic Thai, pad thai, fried rice, noodles, nothing fancy but it fits the setting. Don’t miss the spirit house tucked between the boulders. Butterflies everywhere when the flowers bloom.
Address: Chaofa West Road, Soi Yod Santhan
Open: 9.30 am – 7 pm
Tel: 087 888 9207
Thai Gallery and Coffee Bar
A small cafe with carved wooden panels and a mini art gallery at the entrance. Feels more polished than the other hillside spots. Good for coffee and a light snack. Thai food available too. Nice for a longer break if you want to browse the paintings.
Address: Soi Yot Sane 1, Karon, Mueang Phuket District, Phuket 83100
Hours: Wed-Thu: 9.30 am – 7 pm, Sat-Sun, Mon, Tue: 9.30 am – 7 pm
Star Mountain Sunset Restaurant
Another small open-air terrace with views of Karon Bay. We stop here sometimes for a cold drink and a quick break. Simple Thai food, nothing complicated. Good for a sunset stop on the way down from the Big Buddha.
Address: Karon, Mueang Phuket District, Phuket 83100
Phone: 089 287 7577
Hours: 9 am – 10 pm
